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Citizen science

Answering the big science questions around climate change and the diversity of life requires lots of data, and our researchers can’t gather this alone. You can help.

Our citizen science projects invite you to actively contribute to our science research. By recording observations of wildlife, collecting samples, or transcribing handwritten records, you can unlock the potential of our collections and gather vital data for our scientists, helping them to better understand the natural world.

Anyone can take part - you don’t need special skills or training as we tell you everything you need to know to get involved. It’s a fun, free way to enjoy nature while doing a little bit of good in the world.

Thousands of people across the country take part in our citizen science research and crowdsourcing projects. Why not join in?

Resources for practitioners

Our guides help groups and individuals to develop their own citizen science projects, as well as BioBlitz wildlife recording events.

Scratchpads are websites that allow you to upload taxonomic information and species distribution maps, and set up blogs and forums. They are perfect for making online atlases for recording schemes or citizen science projects. Find out how to create your own website for free.